Another great week here at Jim and Julie’s Wabaskang Camp. We are continuing to see very dry conditions and the MNR has issued a ban on open fires until further notice. The water level is low but still manageable with plenty of water to get anywhere on the lake. Our guests on week three saw plenty of good bass action, the fish are leaving the beds now but are still close to the shallow water. Rocky points and weed lines are holding some monster fish that will eagerly swallow up a tube bait or crank bait. Luke Roose was a newcomer to camp this season, he landed a chunky 17 3/4″ beauty to get things started. His dad Rob was impressed and wanted to take credit for the fish but it is obvious to me that Luke learned everything about fishing from everyone but Rob. The Phippen siblings Jack and Samantha always have a friendly rivalry going when they are in camp. Jack was proud of his 17 1/2″ bass but sister Samantha crushed his dreams when she skillfully landed a feisty 18″ bass. I am sure next year they will pick up right where they left off.
Walleye fishing was very good as well with most of the fish being caught in 10′ of water or less. Tube baits were hot with pink, yellow, white, or brown all catching fish. Our guests also used a jig and minnow or crawler to catch plenty of fish. Gulp also caught just as many walleyes as live bait. Craig Jennings started things off with a nice 22 1/2″ walleye, Kevin Reints released a beautiful 25″ fish, father/son combo Ron and Scott Phippen both released 26″ walleyes. Amy Curtis was a new to camp but with the expert help of Tristen and Neal she landed and released a chunky 26 1/2″ walleye. Rick “crappy motor” Crotty and Mark Burkhart fished together and both fella’s released 27″ walleyes on what they said was one of their best fishing days ever. Samantha Phippen once again was the super star in her family, she released a 27 1/2″ walleye that really got her brother Jack worked up. Joe Lafollette drove all the way from South Carolina with his buddy Jim Lynch, 21 hours on the road but Joe’s 27 1/2″ walleye he released made it all worth it.
Northern fishing has really picked up now for the big brutes. Many of our guests are using giant soft baits and stick baits. Some northern were also caught on a jig and minnow or Gulp combo. Roger Kremer started things off when he released a chunky 32 1/2″ northern. Jim Lynch is a quick learner or Joe is a good teacher because his first trip to camp saw him release a beautiful 35″ northern. Pete Sauer unfortunately returned to camp this season and was so proud of his 37 1/2″ northern he released that I did not have the heart to tell him it was fairly small according to camp standards. Tristen Kolb and Maddox Curtis had great northern fishing, these two young men caught and released many fish over 35″ with the biggest being Tristens 38″ brute, they used planer boards and Sandcats to rile up the big brutes. Kevin Reints released a nice 38″ northern but his focus was to keep his buddies Rob and Luke Roose on fish and he did a great job. Rob and Luke released 7 northern all in one day that were 38″ and 1 that was 38 1/2”.
Perch and crappie fishing took a back seat to the walleye fishing this week so not much to report.
Next week looks like more warm dry weather so bring your sunscreen and fishing hats. Remember to get your licenses before arriving in camp and print a second copy for me if you’re doing it from home. Dutchies General Store can hook you up with licenses and all your grocery or beverage needs and they are just a few miles up the road. The Whiskey Jack Restaurant is always a great option for lunch or dinner and they have a great selection of mouthwatering meals on the menu, they are just a quarter mile past my driveway. That is all for now, this is Jim from Wabaskang.
